Publication Category: Reports

This report discusses the concerning link between turtles and the tourism trade in Java, Indonesia, and makes the following conclusions. Existing laws to protect turtles have not been fully enforced. Despite the fact that all turtles are protected under the law, the trade in turtle and turtle parts still takes place freely on the south coastal region of Java. The trade in turtle and turtle by-product is conducted freely on the south coast of Java Island. The trade involves meat, eggs, stuffed turtles, accessories and souvenirs made from turtle shells. The majority (98%) of the traded items are turtle eggs, followed by 1.3% turtle by-products, 0.11% stuffed or mounted turtles and 0.01% turtle meat. There are approximately 60 turtles trapped accidentally in the fishing nets per annum on the south coastal region of Java. Most of them are consumed by the fishermen. Fishing nets therefore pose a danger to turtles. The main centre of trade for souvenirs or turtle by-products is Yogyakarta. Such merchandising is conducted freely in this international tourist town, along Malioboro Road and Kota Gede. Approximately 1,000 turtles are slaughtered each year to be stuffed and sold along the south coast of Java.

This report discusses the traditional customs involved and what Lamalera locals use whale products for (ie meat, oil, fat). The report concluded that the commercial trading of whale meat can only be found in Lamakera Village, whereas in Lamalera more generally, whale meat is used purely for barter purposes.

The findings of this survey show that local bird markets are the hub of the general wildlife trade in Java. Many individuals were found trading in protected species (which is against the law). The total species traded in the bird markets was found to be 342, with the distribution being: 133 primates (39%), 84 parrots (25%), 58 mammals (18%), 28 raptors (8%), and 39 protected song birds (11%). Among the 342 animals, 183 (54%) were protected by law.

The report found that the illegal trade of primates and other protected wildlife in Palembang market places is very high. This is despite the trade of these animals being a violation of Law No. 5 of 1990 Concerning the Conservation of Natural Resources and the Ecosystem. The report also focused on the trade of monkey meat and brain in Palembang and Jakarta. It was believed that the traded monkeys were poached from protected forestry areas. For this reason, PROFAUNA asserts that local governments should issue a regulation that prohibits the trade of primate meat and other body parts.

This document was created by an independent legal consultant on behalf of the Environmentally Sustainable Food Security Programme ('ESFSP') in order to address the legislative gap in ensuring the sustainability of fisheries resources. The report reviews the fisheries legislative framework. It also outlines contradictions between the fisheries law and other laws, as well as provide a summary of recommendations for a more comprehensive policy framework.

Outlines the continual and illegal cross-border trade of ivory and Asian elephants in Myanmar. Provides recommendations for better compliance with Myanmar’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna ('CITES').